Papalii looking to step up against Kiwis

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Raiders star Josh Papalii is aiming to step up in the absence of several experienced Australian Test players when the Kangaroos face the New Zealand Kiwis in the Four Nations opener at Suncorp Stadium this Saturday.

The Australian squad includes five debutants along with rookies David Klemmer and Sione Mata'utia included on the extended bench.

Despite this, the bullocking back-rower believes that the Kangaroos debutants were picked for a reason and will be more than capable of handling what the Kiwis have to throw at them.

Papalii is planning on utilising his experience with the Kangaroos on their successful World Cup campaign in 2013 to help fill the breach vacated by several experienced players who have had to withdraw due to injury and assist in leading the way forward.

The Logan Brothers junior spoke to the media from a junior coaching clinic and fan day in Brisbane and revealed that whilst he was there he took a moment to step back and comprehend just how far he has come since the days when he used to attend such camps.

Papalii believes he is truly "living the dream" however he is most certainly "feeling the pressure to step up" this Saturday.